If you’re a fan of smooth/contemporary jazz, have been on the Smooth Jazz Cruise, attended concerts, or even watched the George Lopez show or Stevie Nicks on America’s Got Talent, then you are already familiar with the name Ramon Yslas. Ramon has made quite a name for himself in the music industry, earning the tag line, “the hardest working guy” after playing hours upon hours at a time on two cruises earlier this year.  He has played alongside some of the biggest names in music, representing nearly every genre. From Stevie Nicks to Christina Aguilera, to Sergio Mendes, Carlos Santana and Stevie Wonder, his list of credits is varied and impressive. He’s worked with Peter White, Jonathan Butler, Heather Headley, Paul Stanley, Willie Nelson, Patti Labelle, Chris Izaak, Chris Botti, The Backstreet Boys, and has appeared in the House Band of The Emmys, just to name a few.

Ramon began playing when he was five years old, first starting out on a drum set and then moving to percussion in his teen years.  With three brothers that also play guitar and percussion, it was a very musical household in Los Angeles.  “I was self taught in the beginning but then learned that I had to study music, theory, etc. I studied at Grove School of Music in Van Nuys, CA and also at the Pasadena City College, and many private lessons worldwide.”  With his Mexican family heritage, Ramon had varied types of musical influences.  “My influences range from early jazz to today's music, to Mexican music, and some other Latin music, and also my kids!  One of my favorite bands is Guaco, from Venezuela. From World artists to local friends, there are just too many to mention.”

Besides all of the instruments within the percussion ensemble, Ramon can also handle a few others…to an extent.  “I try to play guitar, piano, and sing a bit, but I wouldn't book any gigs on these instruments!”  Multi-talented percussionists are in high demand for not only sideman gigs, but in the movie industry, as well.  Movie scores are a big deal and Ramon has worked on his share of them, and has found that that is where some of the more obscure items used in his percussion “bag of tricks” comes in.  “Film recording sessions are the only time I've used something different than the normal percussion.  I’ve used things like car keys, newspapers, coffee cans....etc.  But in choosing what to play, I like to play according to the structure of the song, depending on what the style of the song is, and how the song builds.”  And to keep those hands in shape and able to withstand the grueling punishment they take at each performance, “I tend to use a lot of hand lotion to keep my hands from cracking.  It's never good to play with cracked skin, and band aids and tape never stays on my fingers. I also will soak my hands in cold water.” 

Besides playing all over the world, Ramon is also entrenched in working on new things and is currently the co-musical director on a project, writing with friends, and working on his next CD, which is in its early stages, but hopes to have it finished by the end of the year.  Ramon describes it as being “different and more rock and roll.”  And, if you are interested in hearing some of his music, you can find his previous release Radio on iTunes.  On the flip-side, Ramon does take some time out of that busy schedule to be with his family, indulge his love of baseball, and just enjoy life.    
But when looking back at the career he has forged, he feels that there are certain attributes that have gotten him to this point.  “Maintaining a great business attitude, staying as healthy as I can, counting my blessings, friendships, staying focused, and completing everything that I'm asked to do, have taken me far.”

So, keep your eyes and ears open for Ramon Yslas and many of the concerts or cruises you attend.  You might even see his name on a movie credit for rattling a set of car keys!